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Maricopa County, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

County Requirement
No STR-specific insurance mandate
State Law
No state STR insurance requirement
Best Practice
Liability insurance recommended
Platform Coverage
Airbnb/VRBO offer host protection

Summary

Maricopa County does not impose specific insurance requirements on STR operators in unincorporated areas. Arizona state law does not mandate STR-specific insurance either. Operators should carry adequate homeowner's or landlord liability insurance as a best practice.

City-specific rules exist: Glendale, Phoenix, Goodyear, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Mesa, and Scottsdale have their own insurance requirements rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

9-500.39. Limits on regulation of vacation rentals and short-term rentals; state preemption; civil penalties; transaction privilege tax license suspension; definitions

B. A city or town may not restrict the use of or regulate vacation rentals or short-term rentals based on their classification, use or occupancy except as provided in this section. A city or town may regulate vacation rentals or short-term rentals as follows:

8. To require the vacation rental or short-term rental to maintain liability insurance appropriate to cover the vacation rental or short-term rental in the aggregate of at least $500,000 or to advertise and offer each vacation rental or short-term rental through an online lodging marketplace that provides equal or greater coverage.

Source: Arizona State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Maricopa County does not impose specific insurance requirements on short-term rental operators in unincorporated areas. Arizona's statewide STR framework under SB 1168 (2016) and SB 1379 (2022) does not mandate minimum liability insurance coverage for STR hosts. However, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide host protection insurance programs that cover certain liability claims. Property owners are strongly advised to obtain adequate homeowner's or landlord insurance with STR endorsements, as standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial rental activity in the arid Maricopa County market where visitor injuries from desert hazards can generate significant liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance should I carry for my short-term rental?
While not mandated by the county or state, hosts should carry commercial liability insurance or an STR-specific policy. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial guest activity.
Does my platform like Airbnb provide insurance?
Major platforms offer host protection programs, but these have coverage gaps. It is advisable to carry your own liability policy in addition to any platform-provided coverage.
Can my HOA require STR insurance?
Yes. HOAs may impose insurance requirements on short-term rental operators through their CC&Rs, independent of any county or state mandate.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maricopa County

All Maricopa County rules

Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona short-term rentals overview

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Insurance Requirements in Cities Across Maricopa County